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    Thanksgiving Recipes » Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

    Posted On November 16, 2022 By Mirlene Last updated November 16, 2022 14 Comments

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    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe Pin

    The BEST Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe that’s pack with all of the flavors from the herb butter, the orange glaze, and the juice you anticipate from your Thanksgiving turkey.

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe #airfryerturkeybreast #turkeyforthanksgiving #roastedturkeybreast #herbbutterturkeybreast

    If you are looking for a conversation starter, you are in the right place, my friend. This fool-proof roasted turkey recipe is the one you need. 

    I’ll be honest, Thanksgiving dinner is usually left to my husband, AJ. That’s his favorite holiday.

    AJ often goes all out with the turkey, Haitian patties, and his special tomato sauce to accompany the red beans and rice. I, on the other hand, would assist by making the collard greens, glazed carrots, deviled eggs, and whatever else he may ask me to help with while he prepares his feast. Pretty much, I am his sous-chef for the day. 

    From Thanksgiving table setting, to stovetop mac and cheese, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

    But…This herb-roasted turkey is slathered in herb butter, then air fried to golden brown perfection; leaving you with a crispy outer layer AND juicy turkey. 

    I have outlined everything you need to know about this recipe. From preparation to putting it on the table. Let’s begin….

    The best turkey for Thanksgiving

    This recipe calls for a small turkey breast about 3lbs. However, it’s packed with flavor from the orange glaze, and it’s.

    So easy to make that even a beginner cook can put together an impressive meal. It will surpass all expectations as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving dinner.

    Your guests will not expect it is from the air fryer.

    See the step by step tutorial for how to cook the best turkey for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time of the year!

    How to thaw a turkey

    This recipe works for either frozen or fresh turkeys. If using frozen turkeys, the best way to thaw it is in the refrigerator.

    I recommend placing the bird on a large plate or bowl (if possible) so that the drippings doesn’t get everywhere and into other foods in the fridge. Typically, a small turkey about 5lbs. will require at least one day to thaw out. 

    If you are using a larger turkey up to 17 lbs. or so, you’ll need about 4 days but no more than 5 for it to thaw out completely. 

    How to prep a turkey breast

    To prepare a turkey for roasting in the air fryer, you’ll need to do the following steps:

    • If the breast came with a gravy package, remove the package as you will be creating your own. It is very simple to do. Full details below. 
    • Check to see if the bird fits in the air fryer, if not, turn the bird breast down and cut the bones underneath the breast so the meat can sit flat in the air fryer. 
    Turkey Breast Bone Cut

    How to make the orange glaze?

    Prepare the glaze by squeezing one orange into a small sauce pan. Add the honey, and the remaining 2 tablespoon herb butter. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary. 

    Bring the glaze to a quick boil then remove from the heat. Set aside to rest. 

    Orange glaze preparation in small saucepan

    How to make herb roasted turkey breast

    To start off, this air fryer turkey breast is coated in a sweet-savory orange glaze and herb butter. It is then roasted to an amazing golden brown color. Fuss-free!

    In order for this recipe to work, you will need an air fryer that’s large enough handle at least a 5lb. whole chicken. Like this one. 

     At this point, if you are using a larger bird, and you want to still air fry it, I recommend cutting up the turkey and cooking it in batches.

    We have prepared turkey this way in the past for Thanksgiving dinners. It definitely help to present something a little different to the table.

    After the turkey is cooked, then we would add it in a sauce similar to the one used in the poulet en sauce. 

    This turkey is seasoned with herb garlic butter which is super easy to make. You may use either fresh or dry herbs. 

    In a medium bowl, add the softened butter, herbs, and lightly season with salt and pepper. Use a fork or spoon to mash the ingredients together until well combined. 

    Adjust the measurement baste on the size of the turkey breast. Ideally, you’ll want to cover every part of the turkey with the herb butter, and be sure to smear it under the skin too. 

    Herb butter on turkey breast

    After the turkey breast is coated in the herb butter, place it in the air fryer breast up to cook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. This step is what gives you the initial amazing deep golden brown color and allow the skin to crisp up. 

    While the turkey is cooking, prepare the glaze. This step will allow you to be ready to baste the turkey after the 20 minutes are up. 

    roasted turkey breast in the air fryer

    After 20 minutes, baste the turkey with the glaze. Then turn the turkey breast down and continue to baste.

    Put it back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 35 minutes at 350 degrees. Baste every 10 minutes. 

    How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in the air fryer?

    Bone-in turkey breast takes about 20 minutes per pound to cook depending on the size.
    The amount of time it takes to cook a turkey breast is less than a whole turkey. It takes the turkey breast even less to cook in the air fryer.
    The total time to cook this turkey in the air fryer is 57 minutes. You can use this recipe for either a whole turkey breast or half turkey breast.

    Basting turkey breast
    What temperature to cook the turkey breast?

    The turkey breast should be cook to a 165 degrees F. temperature. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to help you know when the desired temperature has been reached. 

    Most recipes will advise you to cook the turkey at 160 degrees F. then remove it from the oven, and cover it with aluminum foil until it reaches 165 degree F. 

    No need to do that with this recipe. You can cook the meat until it reaches the full temperature. It will not be dry – I promise!

    Cooked roasted turkey breast

    How do you reheat turkey breast?

    Poultry tend to be dry if reheated repeatedly. However, if you need to reheat the turkey breast, I would recommend putting the meat in a baking tray, cover it with aluminum foil and reheat for 25 minutes; depending on the size. 

    How to make the gravy?

    Heat up the herb butter mixture on medium low heat. 

    Add 3 tbsp. all – purpose flour. Whisk well and slowly add 1 ½ cup vegetable stock (or chicken stock). Mix well. Then add 3 tbsp. of the turkey juice. Continue whisking until smooth and the sauce starts to thicken up. 

    how to make gravy

    Pairing Suggestions

    I like to serve my roasted turkey breast with classic holiday side dishes. Some of my favorites include candied carrots, deviled eggs, cauliflower mash, and collard greens.

    Pro Tip To Make This Dish

    • Be mindful of the air fryer you have. I have a Crux air fryer which typically holds a 5lbs. whole chicken. The turkey breast used in this recipe is about 3 ½ lbs.
    • If you have a larger air fryer, double the ingredients to make it work for you. 
    • Turkey breast cooks for approximately 20 minutes per pound.
    sliced roasted turkey breast with gravy

    if you loved this Air fryer Turkey Breast Recipe, you must try this air fryer Oreos, this roasted acorn slices, and this air fried okra recipe.

    If you make this Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe, please let me know how it turns out for you in the comments! Also, tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can see your beautiful dish. I hope you love it.

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

    Savory Thoughts
    This air fryer turkey breast is coated in a sweet savory orange glaze and herb butter. It is then roasted to an amazing golden brown color. The perfect quick and easy, fuss free turkey breast recipe!
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 57 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 7 mins
    Course Holiday Dinner, Main Dish, Thanksgiving Dinner
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 People
    Calories 566 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients
      

    Turkey Breast Ingredients

    • 3 ½ lbs. Bone-In Turkey Breast
    • 1 Stick Unsalted Butter
    • 1 tbsp. Rosemary chopped
    • 1 tbsp. Fresh Parsley chopped
    • 1 tbsp. Fresh Thyme chopped
    • Salt and Pepper to taste

    Orange Glaze Ingredients

    • Juice from one orange
    • 2 tbsp. Herb Butter Mixture
    • ½ cup Honey

    Homemade Gravy Ingredients

    • 3 tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
    • 1 ½ cup Chicken Broth or you may use vegetable oil
    • 3 tbsp. Roasted Turkey Juice
    • 1 tbsp. Herb Butter

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium bowl, add the softened butter and herbs. Use a fork or spoon to mash the ingredients together until well combined. Reserve 3 tablespoon and set Aside.
      Check to see if the turkey breast fits in the air fryer. If not, cut the bones underneath the bones.
      Apply the herb butter to the turkey breast. After the turkey breast is coated in the herb butter, place it in the air fryer breast up to cook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
      While the turkey is cooking, prepare the glaze. This step will allow you to be ready to baste the turkey after the 20 minutes are up. 
      Turkey Breast Bone Cut
    • After 20 minutes, baste the turkey with the glaze. Then turn the turkey breast down and continue to baste.
      Put it back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 35 minutes at 350 degrees. Baste in every 10 minutes. 
      Herb butter on turkey breast

    How To Make Orange Glaze and Homemade Gravy

    • Prepare the glaze by squeezing one orange into a small sauce pan. Add the honey, and the remaining 2 tablespoon herb butter. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary. 
      Bring the glaze to a quick boil then remove from the heat. Set aside to rest. 
      How To Make Homemade Gravy:
      Heat up the herb butter mixture on medium low heat. Add 3 tbsp. all – purpose flour. Whisk well and slowly add 1 ½ cup chicken broth. Mix well.
      how to make gravy
    • Then add 3 tbsp. of the turkey juice. Continue whisking until smooth and the sauce starts to thicken up. Serve with the turkey.
      Basting turkey breast

    Video

    Notes

    • Be mindful of the air fryer you have.  Larger air fryers typically holds a 5 lbs. whole chicken. The turkey breast used in this recipe is about 3 ½ lbs.
    • If you have a larger air fryer, double the ingredients to make it work for you. 
    • Turkey breast cooks for approximately 20 minutes per pound.
     
    **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
     
    Calories are estimated per serving.
     
    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. See our full Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation by clicking on the links and or making a purchase.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6ServingsCalories: 566kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 82gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 233mgSodium: 208mgPotassium: 868mgSugar: 27gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 1mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    « Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anjali

      November 16, 2022 at 7:51 pm

      5 stars
      I had no idea you could make turkey in the air fryer but this looks like such an easier way to cook turkey! Can’t wait to try this for the holidays!

      Reply
    2. Jess

      November 16, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      5 stars
      Such an easy way to make turkey when you don’t want to cook a whole turkey!

      Reply
    3. Charles

      November 16, 2022 at 7:39 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for this great Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe! Looks healthy and delicious! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    4. Nikki

      November 16, 2022 at 7:34 pm

      5 stars
      Herb butter and an orange glaze, count me in on this delicious turkey breast.

      Reply
    5. Masha

      November 25, 2020 at 4:04 am

      Can I use brined Turkey breast?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        November 25, 2020 at 4:33 am

        Hi Masha,
        Yes, you can use brined Turkey breast.

        Reply
    6. Mary

      November 24, 2019 at 5:00 pm

      5 stars
      I never thought of using an air fryer for turkey, but this looks so good!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        November 24, 2019 at 8:33 pm

        Thank you, Mary!

        Reply
    7. Dannii

      November 24, 2019 at 4:43 pm

      That skin looks perfect. I definitely need to try this in an air fryer

      Reply
    8. Kate

      November 24, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      Such a great idea, something new to try! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    9. Sue

      November 24, 2019 at 3:16 pm

      5 stars
      You convinced me that I really need to get an air fryer, that bird looks PERFECT!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        November 24, 2019 at 8:34 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    10. Julia

      November 24, 2019 at 1:46 pm

      5 stars
      This looks amazing! Wouldn’t have thought of using air fryer to cooker turkey breast in it but can’t wait to try it. 🙂

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        November 24, 2019 at 8:34 pm

        Enjoy!

        Reply

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